The day she passed away, I stayed with her until everyone had gone -- I needed to be with her.  There were things that I needed to say to her -- in private -- without an audience.  That was really hard.  that was when I sobbed so hard I thought I wouldn't be able to stop.  That was when I was reminded so much of the death of my mom.  
I wasn't there during my mom's last moments, nor did I get a chance to say a final  goodbye to her.  She was whisked away before I was even told of her death.  I didn't agree with there.  I think it made her death all the harder for me to deal with.  
I have this emptiness that wasn't there before, but I don't have the raging grief that I thought I would have.  That is why I say that it hasn't really hit me yet.  I am waiting for that tidal wave.  Maybe it is because I didn't leave anything undone.  Aunt Norma knew how much I loved her, and I knew how much she loved me.  I don't have any regrets in her passing.  
She lived life on her terms -- and ended it on her terms also.  What a ride she had.  I hope that I go out the same way.
 
